Garage door actuator



1954 v. E. coFT GARAGE DOOR ACTUATOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 9, 1952 0 11v VETOR Oct. 5, v. E. colT 2,690,908

GARAGE DOOR ACTUATOR Filed Feb. 9, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR yer/m; E. 60/7:

ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 5, 1954 UNITE STATES PATENT OFFEE GARAGE DOOR ACTUATOR Vernon E. 'Coit, Kansas City, Mo.

Application February 9, 1952, Serial No. 270,862

Qlaims.

This invention relates to a door actuator adapted for remote control and which is particularly suitable for opening and closing an overhead door such as used in garages, warehouses and like places.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a door actuating mechanism which is of simple and inexpensive construction; to provide an actuating mechanism that automatically secures the door in closed position; and to provide an actuating mechanism that may be sold as a packaged unit, completely assembled and wired, with exception of the remote control switch cir cuits, so as to facilitate installation by the ordinary house mechanic and without the necessity of employing a skilled electrician.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a door actuating unit to which a current supply may be established by a cord having a plug adapted for insertion in any convenient outlet receptacle such as a conventional wall socket and to provide a door actuating unit with low voltage controls that are safely connected with the remote control switches.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention hereinafter pointed out, I have provided improved structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical central section through a garage door equipped with a remote controlled door actuating mechanism embodying the features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view particularly illustrating the connecting link between the door and the actuator.

Fig. 3 is an underneath plane View of the slide shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line ll of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the trip mechanism in position for actuating the motor reversing switch when the door reaches open position, the section being taken on the line t6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a similar view of the trip mechanism in position for actuating the reversing switch when the door is in closed position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view showing one of the trip levers for actuating the limit switches.

Fig. 9 is a view of one of the limit switches.

Fig. 10 is a wiring diagram of the motor, transformer, limit switches, the main start and stop switch, remote control switches and the electric circuits therefor.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

1 designates a building such as a home garage having a door opening 2 that is adapted to be closed by an overhead door 3. The door illustrated is commonly known as an overhead door and is shown as comprising a plurality of horizon tal sections 4 that are connected together by hinge joints 5 which have rollers t that operate in guide tracks 7 at the respective sides of door. The guide tracks l are usually of channel shape cross section and have vertical portions El and horizontal portions 9 that are connected by curving portions It so as to guide the door from ver tical door closing position to substantially hori zontal overhead open position. The vertical portions 8 of the guide tracks are attached to the sides of the door frame by suitable brackets I l While the upper horizontal portion 3 is suitably supported from the ceiling of the garage by brackets l2.

The door is substantially counterbalanced by a counterbalancing mechanism including coil springs I3 having one end attached to the brackets l2 and opposite ends carrying a pulley it which is connected with the door through a cable is operating over a guide pulley It. It is to be understood that one end of the cable iii is anchored at the lower end of the door and the other end of the cable to a fixed part, for example, one of the brackets l l. When the door is in down or closed position, the cable [5 tensions the coil springs it so that the stored up action in the springs assists in raising the door when the door is to be moved to open position.

The structure thus far described specifically forms no part of the present invention and is illustrated to show one type of door with which the present invention may be used to automatically open and close the door by motor power energized through remotely located switches.

l1 designates the operating unit that is connected with the door and which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The op-- erating mechanism is assembled so that it may be sold as a packaged unit; that is, the parts are all connected and all of the electric circuits completed with the exception of the remote control switch circuits as later described.

The unit includes a rail it which is preferably of T shape cross section to provide a central stiffening web it and laterally disposed flanges 2B and 2| projecting from opposite edges thereof, as best shown in Fig. 4. The forward. end of the rail is adapted for support from the celling or other overhead structure of the garage by a bracket 22 that is preferably permanently fixed to the forward ends of the flanges 20 and 2| as by welding or the like.

The opposite or rear end of the rail is connected with a motor and speed reduction assembly 23, the motor 26 being arranged so that the rotational axis of the armature thereof is parallel with the rail, and the speed reduction portion 25 is positioned so that the driven shaft 26 thereof xtends transversely of the rear end of the rail, as best shown in Fig. 1.

The motor 24 of the assembly has a base 21 that is adapted for attachment to the overhead structure of the garage as later described. .Extending from the speed reducer is a bracket or plate like portion 28 for attaching the rear end of the rail i8 so that when the base2l of the motor and the bracket 22 is attached to the ceiling or overhead structure of the garage, the rail i8 is supported in substantially horizontal position and preferably midway between the door guide rails 8.

Slidable on the flanges 20 and 2! is a slide or carriage 29 which includes a plate portion 30 having side flanges 3i and 32 extending upwardly and over the upper face of the flanges 20 and 2i as best shown in Fig. 4. Projecting from the underside of the plate portion 3!! of the slide is a lug 33 that is adapted to be connected with the upper section 4 of the door by an adjustable connector 3d including a turnbuckle 35 having right and left studs 56 and 3? that are provided with eyes 38 and 35. The eye 38 is engaged in an opening it in the lug 33, and the eye 39 is engaged with an eye is! that is fixed to a plate 42 which is secured to the upper section of the door by fastening devices i3 as best shown in 2.

In order to drive the slide or carriage along the rail or track, the drive shaft'26 of the speed reducer 25 carries a pulley 44 having a grooved periphery 35 for containing one or more wraps of a cable 35 so as to provide the necessary contact to operate the cable for moving the slide.

The cable 46 is connected with the slide by extending one end i'i thereof through an opening 48 in an angle 29 that extends transversely across the slide and is fixed to the underside of the plate portion 39 thereof. After the end'4l' of the cable is passed through the opening 48, the end is extended retractively and connected to form a loop 53 by means of a clamp i. The other end of the cable extends over an idler pulley 52 that is rotatably carried at the opposite end of the rail H3 on a bracket 53.

After extending over the idler pulley 52, the end 55 of the cable is connected similarly to the opposite end ll by means of a loop 55 and clamp 58 with an equalizer '5? which is connected with the angle 49 by laterally disposed coil springs 58 and 59 having hook shaped ends E0 and GI that hook into openings 82 and 63 of the angle as and equalizer 51. With thisarrangement, it is obvious that the springs tension the wraps of cable around the drive pulley and that rotation of the pulley 40 in one direction moves the slide or carriage 29 retractively along the length of the rail Hi to carry the upper section of the door therewith and effect opening thereof.

Mounted on opposite sides of the web portion IS of the rail i8 near the respective ends thereof are limit switches 54 and $5 respectively, having actuating buttons 65 (Fig. 9) that are adapted to be engaged by cam portions 6'! of rock motor.

4 levers 67. The levers 61 are fixed on shafts 68 journalled in the web [9. The opposite ends of the shafts 63 carry bell crank levers 69 (Fig. 8) each having one arm 1!] connected with springs H which hold the other arms 12 in position to be engaged by lugs 29' on the slide 29.

The levers 6'! are shaped so that when the carriage 29 moves from one end of the track toward the other end, the first arm will be rocked by a lug 29' butthe shape of the cam portion is such that the cam is ineffective for actuating the first limit switch. However, when the carriage is moving in the opposite direction the cam is effective in actuating the limit switch to open the control circuit and stop the When the circuit is opened the motor will coast a sufficient distance to set the reverse switch now to be described.

The unit also includes a reversing switch 13 that is mounted on the-bracket 28 to which the rail is connected and which has an operating lever E4 that is connected by a link 15 with a secondary slide is that is also mounted on the flanges IQ of the rail l8 but which has a restricted movement, sufficient to effect actuation of the reversing switch arm.

The slide 16 has an upstanding flange '11 that is adapted to be engaged by a lever 18 which is pivotally mounted on the web [9 of the rail l8 as indicated at 19, the lever having a cam shape portion engaging against the flange TI. The upper end of the lever 18 extends alongside of the upper run of the cable and is actuated by 9. lug or button 8! that. is attached to the cable. The slide 76 is actuated in the opposite direction by engagement of the slide 29 so that the arm of the reversing switch 13 is operated in both directions.

In case dirt, snow or the like has accumulated under the door, the button 8| is provided with a spring 8| which engages the lever 18 and effects operation of the switch to reverse action of the door. Where there is a complete movement of the door, the spring merely compresses.

The motor 24 is supplied with current, for example, from a 110-volt circuit, through conductors 82 and 83 that carry a plug 84 that is adapted to be inserted in any convenient wall socket or the like. The conductor 82 is shown as directly connected to one of the terminals of the reversing switch. However, the conductor 83 is connected with a movable contact 85 of electromagnet switch 86 which has a contact 8'! connected with the other terminal of the reversing switch for controlling current to the motor.

The switch86 includes electromagnets-88 and 89 arranged respectively to close circuits .through the contacts 85 and 8'! and to openthe circuit through the contacts soas to start the motor under remote control of anoutside key actuated switch S0 and indoor push button or manual switch SI and an emergency stop switchv 92 and the limit switches 64 and'65.

In order to simplify installation, the circuits including the switches 64, .65, 9|], .9! .and .92 .as well as electromagnets 88 and 89, are supplied at a lower voltage froma transformer 93 that has the primary connectedwith the conductors 82 and 83 by branch conductors95 and 96. The secondary'Sl of the transformer 93 is connected by a conductor 98 with one terminal of the winding of each electromagnet .88 and .89. The other terminal of the secondary winding. 9! is connected with the switches. and-9l through a conductor 99 so that current may be suppliedto-one terminal of each of the switches 99 and 91. The other terminals of the switches to and 91 are connected by a conductor I80 with the other terminal of the winding for the electromagnet 88.

Thus when either of the switches 9% or M are closed, the electromagnet 88 is energized to close the switch for establishing current flow to the motor. Low voltage current is also supplied to one terminal of each of the limit switches 64 and 65 through a conductor NH and to, one terminal of the emergency stop switch through a branch conductor N32. The other terminal of each of the limit switches is connected through a conductor 583 and conductor lu l with the other terminal of the winding of the electromagnet 39. Thus when circuit is closed to either one of the switches err, 65 or $2, the electromagnet fill is energized to open the motor circuit and stop operation of the motor.

When used for operating an overhead door, the unit as described is mounted at a point substantially midway of the width of the door by attaching the motor base ill and bracket 22 to the ceiling or other horizontal supports that are located over the open position of the door. The plate d2 is attached to the upper section of the door and connected by the turnbuckle 35 with the slide 2%, the turnbuckle being adjusted so that when the slide is at the forward end of the track, the turnbuckle is in position to automatically hold the door in closed position.

The switches 9t, SI and 92 are then mounted in the desired positions and connected with the low voltage circuit connections which are preferably located on a part of the unit. The plug at is then inserted in a convenient electrical outlet and the mechanism is ready for service. It is obvious that the installation is very simple and does not require the service of a skilled mechanic and electrician.

Assuming that the door is in closed position with the slide 29 at the forward end of the rail it, any lifting pressure applied to the door will act in a substantially perpendicular direction against the slide and rail. Thus the door is automatically retained closed without the use of the customary bolt and lock mechanisms.

When the door is to be opened, a circuit may be closed to the electromagnet switch 36 from the outside of the garage by means of the switch Si) or from the inside by the switch 3!. Closing of either switch energizes the electromagnet 83 so that the movable contact 85 engages the contact 3? thereby closing the circuit to the motor 2d.

Operation of the motor 24 effects rotation of the pulley td through the speed reduction unit 25. Operation of the pulley moves the upper run of the cable 36 in the direction of the door, and the end ll of the cable draws the slide 29 retractively along the track carrying the door therewith as shown in Fig. 1. When the door is completely open and the slide 29 reaches the end of its travel, it engages the slide it as shown in Fig. 6 to shift the slide it a sufiicient distance to actuate the lever it of the reversing switch through the link it. However, just before or substantially simultaneously with this movement, the limit switch M is momentarily closed to energize the electromagnet Gil and efiect opening of the contacts 85 and Si so as to open the motor circuit.

The reversing switch controlling flow of current to the motor 24 is now in position to effect reverse operation of the armature of the motor.

The motor circuit may then be closed by closing one or the other of the switches 90 and 9! to again energize the electromagnet B8 and close the contacts and 86. The pulley 44 is then rotated in reverse direction to cause the end 54 of the cable to pull the slide forwardly along the rail and move the door to closed position. Should the door meet an obstruction, the springs 56 become effective to allow a resilient action and prevent jamming of the operating mechanism. The springs 58 and 59 also maintain the desired frictional contact of the cable on the pulley 44 for effecting positive non-slip drive in either direction.

When the door reaches closed position, the slide 29 operates the limit switch 65, and the button 8! on the cable 46 engages the lever 18 to move the slide 16 in the opposite direction for eifecting reverse position of the switch 13. The door is now in closed position and circuits are open. If an emergency stop is required any time during opening and closing of the door, this may be effected by closing the switch 92 to energize the electromagnet 89 in the same manner as the limit switches 64 and 65.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that I have provided a door operating mechanism that is of simple and inexpensive construction and which may be installed as a unit. It is also obvious that the control circuits carrying low voltage currents may be easily installed without complicated installation or mounting of the control circuit wires.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A control mechanism for door operating mechanism of the type including a guide track, a carriage having movable mounting on the guide track, means connecting the carriage with the door to be operated, a pulley at each end of the guide track, a cable operating over the pulleys and having ends connected with opposite ends of the carriage, a reversible motor, and a driving connection between the reversible motor and one of the pulleys to operate the carriage in opposite directions on the guide track, said control mechanism comprising a reversing switch, a current supply circuit connecting the motor and reversing switch, switch operating means movable on the guide track and connected with the reversing switch and having two positions on the guide track, said operating means being in position to be engaged by the carriage to move the operating means in one of said positions to eifect operation of the motor in one direction, and means on one run of the cable for moving the switch operating means to said other position to eifect operation of the motor in the opposite direction.

2. A control mechanism for a door operating mechanism of the type including a guide track, a carriage having movable mounting on the guide track, means connecting the carriage with the door to be operated, a pulley at each end of the guide track, a cable operating over the pulleys and having ends connected with opposite ends of the carriage, and a reversible motor, a driving connection between the reversible motor and one of the pulleys to operate the carriage in opposite directions on the guide track, said control mechanism comprising a reversing switch, a current supply circuit connecting the motor and reversing switch, switch operating means movable on the guide track and connected with the reversing switch and having two positions on the guide track, said operating means being in position to 1 be :engaged:b3f.-thei carriage -to moveitheioperating 1 means in onerofi saidi-pos'itions' toi effectoperation of the: motor in onedirection;meansonf'oneirun of the 1 cable for moving "the I switch operating imeansto saidother position to effect operation of the motor in the opposite direction, and limit switches at ends of the guide track andf in position to be engagedby thecarriage to stopth'e carriage in timed relation with-actuation of I the: re-

versing switch.

'3. A control mechanism for a'door' operating -mechanism of the :type including a *guide track, *a carriage havingrmovablemounting on the guide track, means connecting the carriage connected with the reversing switch and having two positions on the: guide' track= to actuate I the reversing: switchysaid "operating means being in position to be 'engaged by'the' carriage to'move theoperating means .in one of said positions, a lever having 1 pivotal :support on the guide track -in position toenga'ge the operating means,'-and "a button on the' cable and engageable with the lever to effect movement of the operating means v to said other'position.

4. A control mechanism for a door op'erating mechanism-ofthe-type comprising a guide track,

a carriage having 'movabl'e mounting on the guide track, means connecting the carriage 'with the door to be operated; azpulley at each end of the :guide track,'acable operating over the pulleys and having ends connected with opposite ends of the carriage-a reversible motor, and "a driving connection between the: reversible motor "and I one of the pulleys to-.operate the carriage:in'opposite directions on the-guide track, -'said control mechanism including-a1 reversing switch, 1 a current supply circuit *connecting the motor and reversing switch, operating means connected with 'the reversing switch r and having two positions on the guide track toactuate the reversing switch,

said operating -means being in position 'to be engaged by the carriage to move the operating "means in one of said-positions, :a'leverhaving piv- -otalvsupporton the guide track in p'osition to engage the operating means, at button on the .cable and 'engageable with the lever to "efiect movement of the'operating means to sai'd oth'er '-position, 'a relay-switch in the motor circuit includin'g an electromagnet for rendering the switch effective in closing said circuit and'an electromagnet for opening said circuit,'lowvolt- -age circuits connected with the respective elec- "tromagnets, and operating switches in said low voltage 'circuits.

*5. A control mechanism for a door operating mechanism of the type comprising a guide track, a carriage having movable mounting on the'guide track, means connecting the carriage with the door to be operated, a pulley at each end of the guide track, a cable operating over the pulleys and'having ends connected with opposite ends of the carriage, a reversible motor, and adriving connection between the reversible motor and one of the pulleys to operate the carriage in opposite directions on the guide track, said con- 'trol mechanism including a reversing switch, a current supply circuit connecting the motor and reversing switch, operating means connected with the reversing switch and having two posi- -tions on the guide track to actuate the reversing switch, said operating means being in position to be engaged by the carriage to move the 'operatingmeans in one of said positions, 'a lever having pivotal support on the guide track in position to engage the operating means, a button on the cable'and engageable with the lever to effect movement of the operating means to said other position, a relay switch in the motor circuit including an electromagnet for rendering the switch efiective in'closing said circuit and an electromagnet for opening said circuit, low voltage circuits connected with the respective electromagnets, 'operating switches in said low voltage'circuits, and limitswitches at'ends'of thezguide track and in 'position to be engaged'by the carriage, said limit switches having connection in the low voltage circuit which is in connection with the lastnamed electromagnet.

References-Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,933,700 Blo'dgett NOV. 7, 1933 1,981,026 Blodgett Nov. 20, 1934 2,309,984 'Rogers Feb. 2, 1943 2,401,082 Konter May 28, 1946 2,533,116 Jenkins Dec. 5, 1950 2,542,432 Riverman Feb. '20, 1951 2,570,643 Childers Oct.-9, 1951 "2,589,480 Curtis Mar. 18, 1952 2,598,709 Morris June 3,1952 2,6 5,100 Matchett 1 July-29, 1952 

